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Ladies' low or ballgown bodice pattern, circa 1855-1867

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Item #: P-KF631

Manufacturer: KayFig

Just as today, in the 1860's not everyone attended formal
events regularly; actually, depending on the socio-economic
background, many people never attended any balls, dinner parties
or similar events. But if we portray a fashionable person
of upper or upper middle class or one aspiring to such, we will
need to know, what we should wear.
The rule of thumb is: The more formal the event, the more
skin is shown.

Enclosed is a basic bodice pattern, published as a full size pattern in 1862, from which you can
create a variety of ball gown bodices. Just as the original, this pattern includes 3 waist and 2 neckline variations.
We leave the trim decisions
up to you.

Look through period
magazines such as Godey's,
Peterson's, or other period fashion
publications for trim inspirations
or choose sleeve and other
trim variations from the KayFig
Line as well.

Individual sizes are based on real people and not a porportional scale. The two images on the right are taken of this gown made in size 24 (that never fits a dress form properly - sorry!)

The pattern is sized using the size chart established by Dancing Leaf Designs.